Attachment for diagnostic instrument



Janl 1, 1963 A. J. BELGARD 3,071,682

I'hTTACl-IMENT FOR DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT Filed Jan. 18, 1960 2; Z5 '1 Z1 Z3 Z? 57 Q: 4;

Irzzleraib r J2 yaizrgfeqoycd United tate This invention relates to an attachment for a diagnostic instrument such as a light-providing device for the examination of eyes, i.e., an ophthalmoscope.

For the most part ophthalmo'scopes and otoscopes (ear and nose diagnostic instruments) have been batteryequipped in order to provide a source of illumination to the physician employing them. Inasmuch as these are readily portable instruments (of a size to be grasped in one hand), there is not infrequently the occasion for the instrument to be inoperative because of exhausted batteries. When this occurs and the physician is away from a source of new batteries, as on a call, the instrument is useless and cannot be used in an emergency. This, then, indicates the need for an alternate source of power and, more properly, one that is compatible with existing instruments. This furnishes a principal object of the invention.

Another object of the invention is to provide an attachment for a light-providing diagnostic instrument which permits the use of conventionally-available commercial power and which further includes as an advantageous element, means for delicately adjusting the light emanated from the instrument.

Still another object is to provide an attachment-instrument of the device just hereinbefore described in which the various parts cooperate to provide a rugged, dependable, and balanced tool for the medical profession.

Yet another object is to provide an attachment for an opthalmoscope, otoscope, etc. in which the various components cooperate in a novel manner to provide a rigidly coupled attachment yet one that provides a desirable balance when incorporated into the instrument.

Other objects and advantages can be seen in the details of construction and operation set forth in the following specification.

The invention will be described in conjunction with an illustrated embodiment thereof, in the accompanying drawing, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ophthalmoscope equipped with the inventive attachment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded elevational view of the ophthalmoscope seen in FIG. 1 with certain of the portions seen in section;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the attachment;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view through the handle portion of the ophthalmoscope; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic wiring diagram of the lighting system provided in the ophthalmoscope.

Referring now to the drawing, the numeral designates generally (as applied only to FIG. 1) an opthalmoscope which includes a head 11, an adapter 12 and a handle 13these parts all being well-known and commercially available. Essentially, the ophthalmoscope is an instrument embodying a self-contained source of illumination along with means in the head for projecting a beam of light for examination. This is also characteristic of an otoscope which additionally is equipped with a tapered tubular fitting for insertion into the body orifice being examined.

As is conventional, the head 11 is equipped with a knurled dial 14 and a light bulb 15 (seen only in FIG. 5). The coupling of the neck portion 16 of the head 11 is equipped with an electrode or conductor 17 which is adapted to communicate electric current from the handle 13 to the light bulb 15.

Interposed between the handle 13 and the head 11 is the previously mentioned adapter 12 which is threaded as "atent ice at 12a and 12b (see FIG. 2) for connection to the head 11 and handle 13, respectively. The adapter 12 is equipped also with an electrode or conductor 18 which is effective to continue the electrical conduit between the source of electrical power associated with the handle 13 and the light bulb 15.

The adapter 12 may be equipped with a slide button 19 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) which is employed to introduce or remove resistance from the conduit delivering current to the light bulb 15the slide button 19 thus serving as a rheostat operator. For this purpose, a rheostat (not shown) is housed within the adapter 12, also in conventional fashion.

The handle 13 includes a tubular casing 20 which is conventionally of a size adapted to receive two dry cells. The arrangement thus is analogous to that found in a flashlight wherein the dry cells are arranged in series and the circuit is completed through the casing supporting the dry cells. In the usual opthalmoscope or otoscope, the casing 20 will be constructed of an electrically-conductive metal and may be overlayed with a plastic sheet for appearance purposes. 'The handle 13 is closed by an end cap 21 which, it dry cells are employed may be equipped with the usual bottom spring urging the series related dry cells into engagement with the electrodes 18.

Where, however, an alternative source of electrical power is to be employed for illuminating the bulb 15, a substitute cap or end closure 21 is provided and which is free of the spring commonly provided where dry cells are removed. In other words, the structure presented herein finds use where the dry cells are removed as by removing the end closure and are replaced by different electrical elements with a similar end closure. Thus, the physician may replace the dry cells and end closure with the structure presented herein but retain the dry cells and originally provided end closure only for emergency useas for example an examination in an area where electric power is not available. For the purpose of releasably mounting the end closure 21 on the casing 20, these two elements may be threaded as at 22 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). Positioned within the casing 20 is a potentiometer 23 and a transformer 2 t-these elements being represented schematically in FIG. 5. Referring now to FIG. 5, it is seen that the transformer primary 24a is connected to an electrical conduit 25, the conduit 25 being seen only in fragmentary form in FIGS. 1 and 4. The conduit 25 terminates in a conventional male plug 26 suitable for coupling with an outlet receptacle in a house, oflice, hospital, etc. The transformer is of the step-down type so as to provide a voltage of 2.5 volts at the secondary 24b-the bulb conventionally drawing 0.4 amps at 2.5 volts. However, if desired, transformers providing other secondary voltages, as for example 6 volts, can be conveniently and readily employed in the inventive structure and without disturbing the desirable spacial interrelationships. The secondary 24b has one tap connected to the potentiometer 23 as by conduit 25a which in turn is connected to ground as at 27. The other tap of the secondary is coupled to a resilient metal loop connector 28 (see also FIGS. 3 and 4) which bears against the electrode 18. The electrode 18 in turn is coupled directly to the light bulb 15, the socket outer wall of which is coupled to ground as at 27a (all of this being with reference most particularly to FIG. 5).

Suitable as the potentiometer or rheostat is a Wire wound 15 ohm device manufactured by the Ohmite Company.

In the operation of the device, the plug or male fitting 26 is coupled to a suitable source of electricity such as volt A.C. 60 cycle single phase current and the intensity of the light emanating from the bulb 15 is regulated by the potentiometer 23 as by turning the knob 32 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

(D Positioned within the end closure 21 is a metal cap 29. The cap 29 is equipped with a central opening 29a which .is aligned with a similar opening 21a in the end closure "21-the mounting shaftf23a of the potentiometer 23 extending through the openings 21a and 29a. The potentiometer'23 is immobilized relative to the caps 29 and 21 by means of locking nuts3il and 31. A rotatable shaft 23b also extends through the openings 21a and 29a and within the locking nuts 30 and 31an'd to the shaft 23b the knob 32is secured as by a setscrew 32a.

The caps 21 and 29 are further rigidly connected together by. means of a bolt 33 (still referring to FIG. 4) which is received within aligned threaded openings in the two caps and which further serves to immobilizea face plate 3'4. -'Tl1e face plate 34 is provided with suitableindicia (not shown) indicating the setting of the potentiometer by virtue of the position of the knob 23 thereof.

The cap 29 has adhesively secured thereto a fiber insulating cylinder 35 (also seen in FIGS. 2 and 3). The cylinder or tubular member 35 extends a substantial portion along'the length of the casing 20 as can be appreciated from a consideration of FIG. 4. A second fiber cylinder 36 (seen only in FIG. 4) is provided in the attachment and the cylinder 36 is positioned inwardly of the cap 29' whereas the cylinder 35 is provided outwardly thereof. The'cylinder 36 is substantially shorter than the cylinder 35 and serves as a spacer to maintain the trans- "former24 a spaced distance away from the bottom portion of'the cap 29thus providing a space for the potentiometer 23.

Above the transformer is provided a resilient loop conductor'28 previously referred to. The configuration of this element is such as to exert an outward pressure againstthe cylinder 35 and thus immobilize the trans former 24 relative to the cylinder 35 and the spacer cylinder 36. Also, because of the loop-shape of the resilient loop conductor '28, there exists a pressure against the end closure 21 by virtue of the abutting relation of the conductor 28 with the electrode 18. This serves to immobilize the end closure 21 against accidental loos- 'ening when the potentiometer knob 32 is turned.

cylinder and cap '29 providing a casing for the transformer 24, potentiometer 23 and resilient loop conductor '28. The springiness of the conductor 28 retains the transformer immovably in place because of the pressure theconductor 28 exerts against the interior walls of the cylinder 35. However, as can be appreciated fromFIG. 3, there are substantial open chordal areas which permit visual inspection of the interior of the cylinder 35. To remove the-cylinder 35, it is only necessary to remove knob 32, the locking nuts 30 and 31, and the screw 33.

Further,the outer cap or end closure 21 is rigidly secured to'the inner cap 29 through the cooperation of the bolt 33 and the endsleeve shaft 23b of the potentiometer 23. When the attachment is not in use, the cord or conductor.25 may be conveniently wrapped around the fiber cylinder 35.

When the physician desires to use the attachment, he .onlyneedremove the originally provided end closure of ,theeinstrument and remove the two dry cells, thereafter inserting the inventive attachment. gthe spring-like conductor 28 exerts the longitudinal pres- When this is done,

sure previously described to immobilize the end closure 21 and further insure rigidity and immobility of the interior pants, especially the transformer 24 and spacer cylinder 36 by virtue of greater pressure against the interior side walls of the cylinder 35.

When the inventive attachment is installed as just described, the physician now may use any convenient source of electrical power and at the same time have a very delicate control over the light beam intensity-a matter not heretofore possible inasmuch as the space available for a potentiometer or rheostat in such an instrument was drastically limited. (associated with the slide button 19) is essentially a coarse regulator and permits virtually little more than on-off control of the light beam emanating from the instrument, especially when A.C. current is employed. Now, however, the space within the instrument handle is utilized to greaterbenefit, first, in that it permits the interposi-tionof a delicate rheostat and second, in that it distributes the weight of the electrical components in a desirable fashion. The transformer is positioned fairly close to the base of the handle so that it, in effect, acts as a counterweight to the head '11. Thus, the physician in grasping the handle, has an evenly balanced instrument in his hand.

The provision of the rheostat knob 32 and the'cord 25 as part of the end closure positively precludes standing the instrument on its enda somewhat unstable orientation and which has led in the past to breakage of the delicate instrument components. The inclusionof the inventive attachment in an ophthalmoscope leaves the physician to lay. the instrument on its side which is'the most stable position.

Also advantageous in securing the benefits of the invention is the particular configuration of the element 28 which is seen to be essentially bullet-shaped in outline and which has a substantial Width as can be appreciated from FIGURE 3the wide band insuring against inadvertent displacement of the conductor 28 and thus the possibility of lack of contact with'the electrode 18. The

wide band effectively grips'the fiber cylinder 35 so as to I immobilize the transducer means, i.e., the transformer 24, without the need for any special attachment of the transformer 24 with the cylinder 35. Thus any repair is facilitated. e

While in the foregoing specification, I have set forth a detailed description of an embodiment of the invention for the purpose of explanation thereof, many variations in the details herein given may be made'by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a power attachment for an ophthalmoscope and the like, a tubular member closed at one end and open.

at the other, a cap closing said member at said one end,

the closed end being equipped with a potentiometer ina ward of the tubular member, said potentiometer being mounted on said cap, a spacer sleeve about'said potentiometer and abutting said closed end, a transformer within said tubular member and mounted on said spacer sleeve, a metal loop-shaped member positioned within said tubular member adjacent the open end thereof bearing against said transformer and elfeotive when coupled. to said ophthalmoscope, to immobilize said transformerwithin said tubular member,'means electrically coupling: said transformer, potentiometer and said metal loop-- shaped member and electrical conduitmeans extending; through the closed end of said tubular member for sup-- plying current to said transformer.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which the closed end of said tubular member is equipped on the outer side thereof with a potentiometer adjustment knob and indicia means for indicating theioperating characteristicof ,the potentiometer.

3. In a handle attachment for an ophthalmoscope and the like, a tubular casing equipped with a cylinder interiorly thereof, said casing having one. end adapted'to The originally provided rheostat be releasably secured to an electrode-equipped fitting, a closure releasably secured to the other end of said casing, a resilient member mounted in said cylinder and adapted to simultaneously engage said electrode and exert pressure on said closure for securing the sameon said casing, and electrical conduit means extending through said closure for supplying current to said resilient member, said closure being equipped with a potentiometer on the side thereof inward of said casing, a manipulating knob for said potentiometer on the outside thereof, said knob being rotatable relative to said potentiometer to readjust the same, said closure being securable to said casing by relative notation therewith.

4. In a device of the character described in which an electrode-equipped ophthalmoscope head is mounted on a tubular casing having a closed and an open end adapted for field use to receive dry cells for contact with said electrode, said casing adjacent said open end being equipped With threads for securing an end cap to said casing, the improved power attachment for office use comprising an insulating cylinder inserted into said casing, a threaded cap secured to said casing, a potentiometer mounted in said casing and having an adjusting knob on the outside of said cap, a transformer in said casing adjacent said potentiometer and electrically coupled thereto, an electric conduit extending through said cap and coupled to said transformer, a loop-shaped resilient element in said cylinder bearing against said cylinder and transformer and exerting pressure on the casing end cap and releasably coupling said transformer to said electrode, and means electrically coupling said potentiometer and loop-shaped resilient element.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,145,586 Herold July 6, 1915 1,655,700 Humrnel Jan. 10, 1928 1,873,675 Tillyer Aug. 23, 1932 2,628,339 Werner Feb. 10, 1953 2,784,304 Dircksen et al. Mar. 5, 1957 

1. IN A POWER ATTACHMENT FOR AN OPTHALMOSCOPE AND THE LIKE, A TUBULAR MEMBER CLOSED AT ONE END AND OPEN AT THE OTHER, A CAP CLOSING SAID MEMBER AT SAID ONE END, THE CLOSED END BEING EQUIPPED WITH A POTENTIOMETER INWARD OF THE TUBULAR MEMBER, SAID POTENTIOMETER BEING MOUNTED ON SAID CAP, A SPACER SLEEVE ABOUT SAID POTENTIOMETER AND ABUTTING SAID CLOSED END, A TRANSFORMER WITHIN SAID TUBULAR MEMBER AND MOUNTED ON SAID SPACER SLEEVE, A METAL LOOP-SHAPED MEMBER POSITIONED WITHIN SAID TUBULAR MEMBER ADJACENT THE OPEN END THEREOF BEARING AGAINST SAID TRANSFORMER AND EFFECTIVE WHEN COUPLED TO SAID OPHTHALMOSCOPE, TO IMMOBILIZE SAID TRANSFORMER WITHIN SAID TUBULAR MEMBER, MEANS ELECTRICALLY COUPLING SAID TRANSFORMER, POTENTIOMETER AND SAID METAL LOOPSHAPED MEMBER AND ELECTRICAL CONDUIT MEANS EXTENDING THROUGH THE CLOSED END OF SAID TUBULAR MEMBER FOR SUPPLYING CURRENT TO SAID TRANSFORMER. 